The last time we heard Robin Pecknold sing was in a solo breakup tune, demoed and shared on Twitter in the winter of 2012. He’s been writing new tunes out of the social-media spotlight since, perhaps for the next Fleet Foxes record, though a solo album might be more likely given last night’s performance on Fallon. Teaming up with Joanna Newsom/Bill Callahan drummer Neal Morgan and Grizzly Bear’s Daniel Rossen, he arrived stripped of the trademark ’70s Laurel Canyon-ready beard for a take on ’94 Pearl Jam favorite “Corduroy.” Pecknold’s lead vocal sounds great, but this rendition shines most in its collaborative spirit, where Morgan and Rossen bolster his perceivable trepidation for a return to the stage. In short, there’s a melodramatic edge to Pearl Jam that they bring to the table. Watch the replay above.
